UCI Gravel Worlds Tech, Debating Your Strava Data, & 3T’s Racemax 2 Italia
How different is European and North American gravel racing? Velo was at the Gravel World Championships in the Netherlands to inspect the bikes used by Marianne Vos, Tom Pidcock, and many others, with the relatively fast and smooth course necessitating some interesting equipment choices. Integrated air pressure adjustment systems, huge (for gravel) gearing, and wildly different tire combinations were all spotted, as well as more than a few custom paint jobs for the special occasion.
Alvin, Josh, and Levy also delve into Suunto's legal action against Garmin and why it differs from the Strava debacle all while Levy attempts to convince the crew that social media is a psy-op while denying being addicted to Strava. We also dig into the latest 3T Racemax2 gravel bike, its background, Josh's early impressions from riding the bike, and ultimately, why the bike is so dang interesting.
Finally, we talk about SRAM winning its suit with the UCI and the perfectly passive-aggressive response the UCI offered as a response.
Further reading
Custom Bikes and Unreleased Tech at UCI Gravel Worlds from Pidcock, Vermeersch and More
The Sorta-Gravel Tech Pro Roadies Used at UCI Gravel Worlds
Opinion: Suunto's Lawsuit Against Garmin Only Makes Strava Look Worse
Third Time Lucky: Florian Vermeersch Takes Gravel World Championship with Stomping Day-Long Effort
UCI Gravel World Championships: Lorena Wiebes Defeats Marianne Vos in Gripping Finale
3T Overhauls the Racemax 2 Italia for More Clearance, More Storage, and More Aero
See prior episodes of the Velo Podcast here.
--------
1:11:28
--------
1:11:28
The Sury Straggler Reviewed, The Argon18 Nitrogen, Pre-Ride Rituals and Why They Matter | Velo Podcast
Some of the best athletes in the world employ pre-game rituals out of superstition, habit, or to “get into the zone,” but you don’t need to be Michael Jordan or Maria Sharapova to benefit from such a routine. It turns out that those rituals, be it your lucky socks or that one song you just have to put on before heading out, can play an important role in readying your mind and body for what’s about to come.
Today’s episode of the Velo Podcast sees Alvin, Josh, and Levy sharing their own pre-ride habits, with the latter’s possibly verging on neuroticism.
The crew also digs into Alvin’s review of the finally updated Surly Straggler, a steel gravel bike designed for a good time rather than the fastest time, as well as Argon 18’s new Nitrogen aero road bike that is most definitely all about fast times.
We bid adieu to Rapha and EF Pro Cycling's seven-year apparel partnership and how the two left a mark on cycling fashion in the collaboration.
Further reading
How Rapha and EF Pro Cycling Made Pro Cycling Kit Cool
Review: The Surly Straggler Could Be a Modern Classic, but There’s a Catch
First Ride: Argon 18 Nitrogen — Can You Have It All with an Aero Bike?
00:00 intro
1:45 Why we care so much about Rapha and EF Pro Cycling parting ways
15:00 The Surly Straggler
31:30 Argon 18 Nitrogen impressions
39:46 Ride rituals
53:30 Levy's ride rituals are neurotic
--------
1:14:04
--------
1:14:04
Trek’s Full-Suspension Gravel Bike Explained & Getting to Know Will Tracy
Gravel bike? Adventure bike? Bikepacking rig? With a drop handlebar but wide tires, proper suspension on both ends, and geometry that makes sense for good times on dirt, the just-released Trek CheckOUT looks like it’s ready for... well, just about anything, be it a quick singletrack rip or a race from Canada to the Mexican border. Will Tracy and Levy look into the CheckOUT’s features, including its near-endless mounting points and the new, longer travel Rudy XL fork, and Levy shares his questionable opinion from a mountain biker’s perspective.
Velo’s managing editor, Will Tracy, is also grilled by Levy to find out how he became The Boss, his time working for Peloton magazine, the differences between print and online cycling media, and how watching a race as a young kid shaped the rest of his life.
--------
52:57
--------
52:57
Riding the New 13lb Specialized Aethos & the Limit of Lightness
Velo Senior Tech Editor Josh Ross has been testing the second-generation Aethos and explains what’s changed and how it performs out on the road. We also talk about that kinda mostly hidden cable routing, the advances in FEA software that allow more grams to be shaved, and the new Roval Alpinist CLX III wheels that use thermoplastic spokes with titanium ends. Fancy.
Josh also compares the just-released Aethos to the previous version that we had at the Velo Field Test, and Levy forces him to decide between the Specialized and Scott Addict RC.
--------
45:00
--------
45:00
SRAM VS the UCI & Why Illegal Drivetrains Might Affect You
Will lower gearing make for safer racing? The UCI thinks so, but it could also make all of SRAM's 1X drivetrains verboten at the highest level of competition without affecting Shimano or Campagnolo. SRAM disagrees, obviously, and has begun legal action in Europe, citing reputational damage and EU competition laws. And as you'd expect, the UCI responded yet again. That and more on this week's episode of Velo Podcast.
Velo Tech Editor Josh Ross and host Mike Levy dig into the details of the UCI's potential 10.46-meter rollout rule and why SRAM's 10-tooth cog doesn't comply, safer courses versus lower gearing, and the UCI's near silence when it comes to so many issues.
We also discuss the UCI president's social media post congratulating Tadej Pogacar on his TT World Champs victory in Rwanda, despite Remco being the actual victor, and we look at Alvin's first impressions of Factor's new Aluto gravel bike.
Colombia